<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default" style=""><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><b style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large">President’s Notebook</b><br></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><b>National Federation of the Blind</b><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><b>Mark A. Riccobono</b><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org"><span style="color:blue">officeofthepresident@nfb.org</span></a><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><b>410-659-9314</b> <span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"> </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Dear Federation Family,<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">It is hard to believe the year of 2023 is coming to an
end. I have just a couple more days in the office before going into a winter
break. I will be on family time starting on Thursday evening through the first
of the New Year. We will be ramping up quickly in January with the continued
work of our movement. I have already thanked you all for your work this year,
but I cannot help reflecting upon the many quiet ways we have worked together
to do good for our fellow blind this year. The stories that are most compelling
to me are not the ones that make the Presidential Report. The quiet ways that
each of you assist blind people, take late night calls, help blind people
overcome barriers, and open doors of opportunity are the true blessings of our
movement. These are the moments that only a small circle of people around you
know about, but I know they happen because they are the signature of Federation
leadership. Thank you for the quiet acts of kindness you undertake every day.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">As we close the year, I need to share one piece of news
that is really hard to deliver. The board of directors at Blindness Learning in
New Dimensions, Incorporated, (our affiliated training center in Minnesota)
announced yesterday its intention to suspend operations in order to reimagine
and rebuild the programming in Minnesota. Having sat with the board, I know the
gravity of their decision and the commitment of these leaders to building
better opportunities for the blind across the country. I want to assure all
Federation leaders that we will continue to work with our affiliate leaders in
Minnesota and the leadership team at BLIND, Incorporated, to determine how to
transition to new and stronger programming in the future. this message.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">As we close the year, I hope you will take a few minutes
to reflect upon our success together. I also hope you will take note of the
things we can do to strengthen our work and our personal relationships in 2024.
I plan to do the same and I anticipate the opportunities to synergize my
reflections and yours.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Wishing you and yours a healthy, joyous, safe, and
rejuvenating holiday break!<span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Independence Market Holiday
Hours:<span></span></font></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">The Independence Market will be closed from Friday,
December 22 through Monday, December 25, 2023, and then again from Friday,
December 29, 2023 through Monday, January 1, 2024.<span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">January Presidential Release:<span></span></font></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="color:black">The National Federation of the Blind </span><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases"><b><span style="color:blue">Presidential Release #534</span></b></a><span style="color:black"> is scheduled for January 4, 2024, at
8:00 p.m., eastern. Zoom ID 943 1629 4822. Each presidential release live
includes a question and answer session. Please submit questions early to </span><a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org"><b><span style="color:blue">cdanielsen@nfb.org</span></b></a><span style="color:black">.<span></span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Access Technology
Affordability Act:<span style="font-weight:normal"><span></span></span></font></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">The cold winter weather has brought with it a flurry of
cosponsor activity on the Access Technology Affordability Act (H.R. 3702/S.
1467). In the House, H.R. 3702 has gained twenty-eight new cosponsors since the
beginning of December to bring the total number of cosponsors up to
seventy-two. In the Senate, Senators Booker (NJ), Ernst (IA), and Tillis (NC),
all added their names to the cosponsors of S. 1467 to bring the total number of
cosponsors on the Senate bill up to seventeen. This is fantastic progress to
finish out the year. Even though the ATAA was not included in the National Defense
Authorization Act, we have to keep working in order to make sure we give it the
best possible chance of being included in a larger tax package now scheduled
for debate in January or February. Be sure to call or email your
representatives and senators to urge them to cosponsor the Access Technology
Affordability Act (H.R. 3702/S. 1467).<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span class="gmail-Heading1Char">News
and Opportunity for Community Services Division:<br>
</span>Our board of directors has
initiated the reorganization of the National Federation of the Blind Community
Services Division. This division aims to use and improve service as a means to
show that blind people have the talent and desire to better the world we live
in by promoting equal access and participation in related activities.
Federation members who are interested in participating in the consideration of
a reorganized Community Services Division should contact Barbara Manuel,
president of the NFB of Alabama, at <a href="mailto:nfbal.president@gmail.com">nfbal.president@gmail.com</a>.<span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Submit and Share Consumer
Feedback Survey:<span></span></font></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">The National Federation of the Blind is working with one
of the world’s largest consumer products companies to improve everyday shopping
and product experiences. This survey is designed to get the experience of blind
and low-vision consumers. Completing the survey will ensure your voice is
included and you will also be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of
five $200 Amazon gift cards. <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2VSPT5N"><b><span style="color:blue">Consumer Feedback Survey</span></b></a><span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">National Federation of the
Blind Washington Seminar Career Fair:<span></span></font></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN" style="color:black"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Join us on
Monday, January 29, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., eastern, for our Washington
Seminar in-person career fair. The National Federation of the Blind career
fairs are events for blind people seeking jobs to connect with employers and
are an opportunity for employers to seek more talent for their teams.
Registration is required by Friday, January 12, 2024.<span></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><a href="https://nfb.org/form/career-fair-jobseeker-registration"><b><span style="color:blue">Career Fair – Job Seeker Registration</span></b></a><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><a href="https://nfb.org/form/career-fair-employer-registration"><b><span style="color:blue">Career Fair – Employer Registration </span></b></a><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span lang="EN" style="color:black">To prepare job
seekers, the Employment Committee will be hosting “Maximizing Your In-person
Career Fair Experience,” an online seminar designed to provide tips and
techniques for creating the most positive experience while attending the fair.
Members will automatically be registered for the online seminar once they have
registered for the career fair. For more information on the career fair or
webinar, please contact </span><span lang="EN" style="">Jennifer Wenzel, Employment Committee chair and employer
liaison, at </span><a href="mailto:jenwen319@gmail.com"><b><span style="color:blue">jenwen319@gmail.com</span></b></a><u><span style="color:blue">,</span></u><span style="color:black"> or</span><span lang="EN" style="color:black"> Rachel Kuntz,
jobseeker liaison, at </span><a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/h/1x9qu3194t9sc/?&cs=wh&v=b&to=rkuntz@saavi.us"><b><span lang="EN" style="color:blue">rkuntz@saavi.us</span></b></a><span lang="EN" style="color:black">.<span></span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Five New Publications
Available on NFB-NEWSLINE<sup>®</sup>:<span></span></font></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">NFB-NEWSLINE recently added five new publications to our
lineup:<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><u><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">State Newspapers:<span></span></font></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Illinois, <i>Chicago Defender</i> - The <i>Chicago
Defender</i> is a Chicago-based online African American newspaper. It was
founded in 1905 by Robert S. Abbott and was once considered the "most
important" newspaper of its kind.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">New York, <i>Post-Journal</i> - The <i>Post-Journal</i>
is a daily newspaper, serving the area around Jamestown, New York. It is owned by Ogden Newspapers Inc. and is
billed as "southwestern New York's leading newspaper" with a
circulation of over ten thousand newspapers.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><u><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">International Newspaper:<span></span></font></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><i>Asahi Shimbun</i>
- Founded in 1879, it is also one of the oldest newspapers in Japan and Asia
and is considered a newspaper of record for Japan.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><u><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Breaking News Online:<span></span></font></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><i>19th news</i>
– Our goal is to empower women and LGBTQ+ people—particularly those from
underrepresented communities—with the information, resources, and tools they
need to be equal participants in our democracy. (from the paper’s website)<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><u><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Magazine:<span></span></font></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><i>Inc</i> - An
American business magazine founded in 1979 and based in New York City. The
magazine publishes six issues per year, along with surrounding online and
social media content.<span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Consider Gifting Your IRA
Distribution Directly to the Federation and Avoid Taxes:<span></span></font></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">If you are in a position to do so, you may be able to
avoid taxes on your required minimum distribution from an IRA by giving
directly to charity. This is a great way to avoid taxes and give a little more
to the Federation and less to Uncle Sam for those who have retirement savings
and must take minimum distributions. For more information, contact <a href="mailto:outreach@nfb.org"><b><span style="color:blue">outreach@nfb.org</span></b></a>.<span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Where the Blind Work Webinar:<span></span></font></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">This January, join the National Federation of the Blind
as we celebrate the work and accomplishments of blind people with a panel
discussion. This online webinar will take place on Wednesday January 24, from
8:00–9:00 p.m., eastern, via Zoom. Unemployment and under-employment persist as
among the most stubborn factors affecting blind people’s pursuit of cultural
and economic equity in society. Below are our panel participants:<span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"></p><ul><li><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Tracey Hall Hennigan, Braille
Technician, Maryland</font></li><li><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Ronza Othman, Director, EEO
Compliance, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, US Department of
Health and Human Services, Maryland</font></li><li><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Christopher <span style="color:black">Kuczynski, </span>General Counsel, US Access Board, Washington DC</font></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"> </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/where-the-blind-work-webinars-registration"><b><span style="color:blue">Register for the Where the Blind Work Webinar</span></b></a> for Zoom details. We look forward to your participation!<span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Reminders:<span></span></font></h1>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Round-Up with Lyft:<span></span></font></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Since this is the holiday season many of our friends and
family will be using Lyft. Please ask your friends to round up their fares to
the nearest dollar and donate their change from each Lyft ride to the National
Federation of the Blind. It is easy: Hit Menu, hit donate, and then choose the
National Federation of the Blind.<span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Dates to Keep in Mind: (all
times eastern)<span></span></font></h1>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"></p><ul><li><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Thursday, December 4, at 8:00 p.m.:
Presidential Release</font></li><li><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Monday, January 29, 2024: Great Gathering-In</font></li><li><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Tuesday, January 30, 2024: Congressional
Reception (Washington Seminar)</font></li><li><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">January 29 -February 1, 2024: <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar"><b><span style="color:windowtext">Washington Seminar</span></b></a></font></li><li><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">April 15, 2024: Deadline for <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/dr-jacob-bolotin-awards/application-information"><b><span style="color:windowtext">Bolotin Award</span></b></a>
nominations</font></li><li><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">July 3-8, 2024:
National Convention; Orlando, Florida</font></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"> </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement<span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"></p><ul><li><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="color:black"><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal"> </span></span><span style="color:black">Wednesday,
February 7, 8:00 p.m.<span></span></span></font></li><li><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Wednesday, May
8, 8:00 p.m.</span></font></li><li><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Wednesday,
August 7, 8:00 p.m.</span></font></li><li><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Wednesday,
November 6, 8:00 p.m.</span></font></li></ul><p></p>
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